JOB

The following comments are from Navigator's and Quiet Time Diary journals. One verse will be entered, then the comment, then the date.

1:8    And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil."

    Whose idea was it to test Job? From this verse, it seems that God brought up the name first. God allowed Satan to test Job. Only God knows why - probably He knew Job would still trust in Him no matter what. How would I do? (DRM 6/4/06)

1:12    Then the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him." So Satan departed from the presence of the LORD.

    Why would God allow bad things to happen to good people? As I re-read this chapter I felt that God loved Job and didn't want to hurt him, but wanted to show Satan that any trials that Job endured would not change his love for God. I will have trials also. (DRM 5/20/01)

1:16    While he was still speaking, another [messenger] also came and said, "The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

    Things aren't always what they appear to be. While I don't know if this disaster was lightning or something else - it wasn't directly from God (v. 12) - but looked like it. I have the same problem today when I wonder why things don't work out like I expected. Sometimes we can't tell who is "directing" our events. God is in control, though. (DRM 6/5/06)

1:17    While he was still speaking, another also came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them and slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you. "

    When God allowed Satan to test Job, he worked quickly, as disasters followed each other quickly.
    While I have had major challenges during the past 7½ years, they were nothing in comparison to what happened to Job.
    There is a reason why God allows things to happen to His disciples - perhaps to have us trust Him more.
    Whatever the reason, whatever the obstacle, we (I) must keep our faith and trust only in Him. (DRM 10/9/12)

1:20    Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshipped.

    Disaster after disaster had just befallen Job's family and possessions. Job was able to hear all of the events without cursing God, rather worshipping Him.
    When things go wrong for me I usually question God=Jesus and want to know what I did, but don't blame Him - as He knows best.
    I pray that we (you and me) don't have to have a situation like Job went through. (DRM 9/13/11)

1:21    He [Job] said,
            "Naked I came from my mother's womb,
             And naked I shall return there.
             The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away,
             Blessed be the name of the LORD."

    It seemed that nearly everything bad had happened to Job - he had lost nearly everything including the loss of all his children.
    Job was a "blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil (v. 8)", and still this happened and he didn't know why.
    Still Job had faith in the Lord God - he wouldn't give up his worship, no matter the circumstances.
    How would I/we react if all these things happened to us?
    We don't know why some things occur, but need to keep our faith in God=Jesus as He knows the reason - and we know it will all be better in the end. (DRM 2/6/18)

1:22    In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

    God had just let Satan curse everything Job owned and even then Job was able to praise the Lord. 
    We must remember Job's example when things go wrong and thank God for all our trials, as the Lord knows our souls and will provide for everything in the end. (DRM 8/2/87)   

2:3    And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to ruin him without cause."

    Apparently my writing was wrong yesterday. Here God admits that He did these things to Job. Still, Job's faith stood, when others would have fallen. God still loved Job - even through the trials. It could be considered a test of Job's faith. (DRM 6/6/06) This is similar to 6/4/06: Job 1:8

2:6    So the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, he [Job] is in your power, only spare his life."

    Why does God allow suffering to those who have trusted in Him? Certainly I can't answer for God on that!
    Every one of us gets tested by God at some time in our lives. Some of His followers get sick or in accidents or have financial problems or can get diverted from following His desires for their lives.
    God gives us tests/trials to see how devoted we are to Him and His Kingdom. Our life duty is to pass the test and keep our faith completely in Him. (DRM 12/26/13)

2:7    Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.

    Why did god allow Satan to afflict Job? God knew that Job's faith would bring him through the trials (v. 3). Job's wife wouldn't have done as well (v. 9).
    When we have trials that can be similar, we don't know the cause, like Job didn't, but God wants us to keep the faith in Him to deliver us.
    No one wants to go through trials, but God has a purpose. Keep your faith. It will all make sense in the end - even if "the end" is being with Him in Haven. (DRM 9/25/17)

2:9    (Job's) His wife said to him, "Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"

    Job was just beginning his trials and his wife had already given up! God gave us a good example in Job! No matter how depressing the situation is - God will pull us through!
    Today was a depressing day for me also, but with God's help, I know that better days will come again. (DRM 10/19/87)

2:9, 10    Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!" 10Then he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

    Job's wife did not know of Satan. She was aware of God and did not like what had happened recently. If cursing God brought back her good fortune, she would have been happy. Job was right in knowing that God sends trials and adversity to make us grow. That's important! (DRM 5/21/01) 

2:11    Now when Job's three friends heard of all this adversity that had come upon him, they came each one from his own place, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite; and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with him and comfort him.

    We all need friends to talk to. They can encourage us when times are bad and motivate us to do even better things on good days. They will listen, discuss and pray for us as needed.
    Sometimes "friends" aren't that helpful when needed. It seems that Job's friends were like that - even though they had good intentions.
    Truly, our best friend is Jesus. He always has time to listen and will direct us toward our next step - if we/I hear His still small voice. (DRM 5/22/14)

3:2, 3    And Job said, 3"Let the day perish on which I was to be born,
             And the night which said, 'A boy is conceived. ' "

    All of the disasters had overtaken Job and even his wife had already said to "curse God and die!"
    Job didn't accuse God of anything, but rather put the emphasis on his own regret for being. He guessed that he had done something to displease God. I'm sure I'd feel the same way.
    Like Job, I (we) don't know why things happen in our lives. God is the director, and we have to trust Him to lead us on a path that will ultimately honor Him. (DRM 3/17/14)

3:25,26    What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. 26I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil. 

    Job was rightfully upset in what had happened to him, but he would not curse God (2:10). When I have troubles, let me never curse God, but try to understand why. (DRM 11/17/88)

4:3,4    Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. 4Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. 

    When things go wrong and I feel that God has forgotten that I exist, I must remember how God has used me in the past and be thankful for what I have done to serve Him. (DRM 11/18/88)

5:17    Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

    Most every night, I ask God to convict me of my sins as I do them. Thank God that He does tell me when I have sinned, so that I may make corrections! (DRM 11/4/88)

6:13    Do I have power to help myself, now that success has been driven from me?

    Obviously the answer to this question posed by Job is NO, only God can help us in our trials. Friends may comfort us, but God is the answer. (DRM 11/19/88)

7:5    "My flesh is clothed with worms and a crust of dirt; My skin hardens and runs."

    Job was graphic in this verse to illustrate the aging process. My worm-wrinkles are also coming. Job is really reflecting on the brevity of life - and leads me to think how I shouldn't be wasting any of the days I have left. (DRM 6/7/06) The worms he is talking about are maggots. He was putting maggots on his sores so that they would eat the infection out. (per WOL diary)

7:7    Remember, O God, that my life is but a breath; my eyes will never see happiness again. 

    Job was still depressed in his situation, but he had a thought here that usually God has to remind us of: "my life is but a breath." We should make every possible use of our short life - to serve Him. (DRM 11/20/88)

7:16    "I waste away; I will not live forever.
           Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath."

    If all the things that happened to Job happened to us - how would we/I feel?
    At the time Job spoke this, he didn't know he would live another 140 years (42:16)
    While Job continued to trust in God, he was frustrated as he didn't know the cause for all of his suffering. He didn't want any more, thus he said "leave me alone." That doesn't mean he didn't want God in his life, but to stop the pain and agony.
    Job knew God is in control. (DRM 6/26/13)

8:12,13    While still growing and uncut, they (papyrus) wither more quickly than grass. 13Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. 

    Without God what can people do? Perhaps the papyrus would die uncut without the sun. Likewise we are totally incomplete without the Son. (DRM 11/21/88)

9:11    "Were He to pass by me, I would not see Him; Were He to move past me, I would not perceive Him."

    No one has seen God - except maybe Moses. Jesus said that if you saw Him (Jesus) you would have seen the Father. He is everywhere and I can't hide anything from Him. He knows what I'm doing every moment - and still He loves me and wants me to confess my sins before Him; and to tell others of His love for them. (DRM 6/8/06)

9:33    (Job said) If only there were someone to arbitrate between us, to lay his hand upon us both [Job + God].

    What a great verse! The person Job was looking for came later as Jesus Christ who IS our arbitrator with God. Job knew how necessary Jesus was to be. (DRM 11/22/88)

    Job wanted an umpire or mediator between himself and God. Jesus wasn't known at the time, even though we know He was with God even then. Thankfully we have Jesus as our mediator with God - and the Holy Spirit lives within us, so I know when I have done wrong and need to ask for forgiveness. (DRM 6/9/06)

10:14    If I sinned, you would be watching me and would not let my offense go unpunished. 

    In this verse Job explains the conviction of the Holy Spirit. If and when we do wrong, God convicts us in our heart to confess our sin to Him. Job didn't know what his sin was. (DRM 11/23/88)

    From this verse, Job apparently knew of confession and forgiveness of sin. Since he had done both, he was rightfully confused. He knew that God was Lord of all and still needed an explanation of why the things happened to him. I also want explanations now, but usually find out in time. (DRM 6/10/06)

11:6    (I wish God would) disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know this: God has even forgotten some of your sin. 

    God has forgotten ALL of my sin, but there is one condition. I must ask His Son, Jesus Christ to forgive me of my sins. Be specific! (DRM 11/24/88)

11:20    "But the eyes of the wicked will fail,
             And there will be no escape for them;
             And their hope is to breathe their last."

    Unbelievers are called the wicked. They have been given many opportunities in life to trust in the Lord Jesus - even if no one told them by speaking, God shows evidence of His being in nature and how He created us.
    Time has passed, the eyes failed and life is approaching its end - and still they haven't trusted in God=Jesus. Their hope is lost when they breathe their last.
    We are still alive to read this - our hope in Christ is still alive so long as we/I put my complete trust in Him for my eternal life in Heaven. (DRM 7/1/16)

12:4    "I am a joke to my friends,
           The one who called on God and He answered him;
           The just and blameless man is a joke."

    While my non-Christian friends don't say that I'm a joke, they probably think it. I can see what Job is writing about.
    Just by their nature, non-Christians don't believe that God cares about and directs our lives. They generally believe that people are good and can make their own decisions. God-if He exists - has nothing to do with individuals on earth.
    As Christians, dependent on Jesus=God, we have to show them that they are wrong and God truly does direct our daily path. (DRM 1/14/13)

12:23    He makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and disperses them.

    This sounded like the United States to me. God founded this country as he seemed to want us to prosper, however we are now in the destruction phase. (DRM 11/25/88)

    Over thousands of years, God has allowed various nations to become great empires. Quite often they started on their dependence on Him, then decided to go their own way, then faded into history. Job understood this, but it seems that some in the USA don't today. We need a revival to bring us back to our original spiritual condition. (DRM 6/11/06)

13:6    "Please hear my argument, And listen to the contentions of my lips."

    Job was speaking to his friends. It seems that his friend was complaining that he had secret, unconfessed sins and gave Job little time to defend himself.
    Sometimes I feel the same way - especially in larger groups where I don't agree with a presentation, but won't give my personal opinion. God knows the heart. (DRM 6/12/06)

13:15    Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face. 

    No matter what God does, I must continue to have all my hope in Him. Never let my trust diminish! (DRM 11/26/88)

14:4    "Who can make the clean out of the unclean? No one!"

    I think Job has an interesting question here, but the wrong answer. As sinners, we are spiritually unclean when we come to Jesus, then He cleans us from our sins when we are born-again. I'm thankful to have been "cleaned" and want to stay that way! (DRM 6/13/06)

14:14    If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come. 

    3,500 years ago, when this book was probably written, Jesus Christ had not yet "appeared" to save all of mankind from their sins. No wonder Job wanted to know what happens after death. Thanks to Jesus Christ, we know! (DRM 11/27/88)

15:6    Your own mouth condemns you, not mine; your own lips testify against you. 

    Speaking usually causes the most sin. Controlling the tongue also seems to be the hardest thing to do. Only praying and trusting in God will help. (DRM 11/28/88)

16:4    "I too could speak like you,
            If I were in your place.
            I could compose words against you
            And shake my head at you.

    Job's "friends" were not very helpful and tried to think of why all the disasters came upon him. His friends weren't that close and accused him of things he never did. In this verse he was frustrated with his "friends," as he could make up false stories about them if he wanted to.
    I've had "friends" who have done the same thing. I knew I was innocent, but only One other knows the real truth. He is the One that I have to depend on; He is my true Savior. He is Jesus=God. (DRM 7/7/15)

16:11    "God hands me over to ruffians, And tosses me into the hands of the wicked."

    Job seems argumentative here. He is upset with God for what has happened, as I would be. I chose this verse today because Job almost got it right here. God gave Job to the wicked devil for this period of time - just as Job guessed here. I pray that this never happens to me - or you. (DRM 6/14/06)

16:16,17    (Job) => My face is red with weeping, deep shadows ring my eyes; 17yet my hands have been free of violence and my prayer is pure. 

    If I were Job, I would be more than upset in my circumstances. But, Job points out - he still has not done anything violent and continues to pray no matter how depressed. (DRM 11/29/88)

17:7    My eyes have grown dim with grief; my whole frame is but a shadow. 

    Surely the experience that Job was going through was not just spiritual. In this verse he mentions his physical body, but in verse 9 he proclaims: "the righteous will hold to their ways." (DRM 11/30/88)

17:11    "My days are past, my plans are torn apart, Even the wishes of my heart."

    Job was probably over 50 years old - because he had 10 children. After the diseases that Satan inflicted on him, he probably aged even more rapidly. Still, he had hope in the Lord (v. 9) and showed his continued trust in Him. I pray that I'll never lose my hope and trust in the Lord for all my needs. (DRM 6/15/06)

18:18    He is driven from light into darkness and is banished from the world. 

    I think Bildad was speaking of Job in this chapter, but would rather interpret this verse as unbelievers or backsliders. Let me not be driven away from the Light. (DRM 12/1/88)

19:10    "He breaks me down on every side, and I am gone;
             And He has uprooted my hope like a tree."

    Job didn't know what caused all his troubles. In this chapter he gave some of his theories and stated his frustration with his "friends" (vv 1-5). Even with all of his troubles, he knew that God was in control and he had to yield to His decisions. God is not dead (v. 25).
    While we are unlikely to experience all that Job experienced, we can be assured that God knows what is going on in our lives, and He DOES care. He will not put us into a situation that we can't handle - we have to totally depend on Him. (DRM 10/7/15)

19:19    "All my intimate friends detest me; those I love have turned against me." 

    Job was quite disappointed in God, as everything around him fell apart. 
    We must also be willing to let this happen if it is God's will. Many of my non-Christian friends think I am crazy and wonder why I act the way I do. I must be willing to let go of them as friends and meet new more Godly ones. (DRM 8/5/87) 

19:23, 24    "Oh that my words were written!
                    Oh that they were inscribed in a book!
                24"That with an iron stylus and lead
                    They were engraved in the rock forever!

    Job didn't write this book. We don't know who did. If they weren't at this event, God had to tell them what was said. Just by this verse, we know Job wasn't writing.
    One thing that is amazing about the Bible is how long ago some of the content was written, and still it all makes sense to us today. The prophecy verses seem to tell us what will be happening to us in the next few months or years - it's all seemingly up-to-date.
    Job's desire to have his words written came true and they will be engraved in some form forever. (DRM 6/30/15)

19:25, 26    And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. And at the last He will take His stand on the earth. 
                    26"Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God;

    Job didn't know Jesus, but he knew that he had a redeemer in God Himself. He knew God would come to earth and that he should trust in Him.
    Certainly Job had harder trials that I have, and he trusted in God; why shouldn't I do the same? (DRM 5/22/01)

19:26, 27    "Even after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God;
                27Whom I myself shall behold,
                    And whom my eyes shall see and not another.
                    My heart faints within me. "

    Some of the writing in Job seems very distant to me - either because of the time period, or the different lifestyle that he lived; but this verse is timeless. God is timeless. Eventually Job met God. Someday I'll meet God; and also Job! (DRM 6/16/06)

20:20    Surely he will have no respite from his craving; he cannot save himself by his treasure. 

    This chapter describes wicked people. This verse is meaningful to me as a reminder that the rich always desire more and more, but God wants us, not our money. (DRM 12/2/88)

21:15    Who is the Almighty, that we should serve him? 
            What would we gain by praying to him?

    This verse could be taken out of context easily! Job was asking why the rich don't seem to need God, as they do well by themselves. Thank God, we know He will judge our hearts when it is our turn to meet Him. (DRM 12/3/88)

22:2    Can a man be of benefit to God?
            Can even a wise man benefit him?

    One of Jobs friends (Eliphaz) pondered these questions. In verse 5, he pointed out that our sins are endless and we are not deserving of God. Fortunately Jesus Christ is our mediator! (DRM 12/4/88)

23:2    Even today my complaint is rebellion; His hand is heavy despite my groaning.

    Just yesterday I wrote that complaining doesn't help things; now Job has complained to the Lord God for his pain and suffering. Did it help? No, probably not.
    God is God, He makes all the decisions as to what will happen. I remember that Moses changed His mind once, but really He has our best interests in mind, especially when we can't see the future, and He can.
    We still have to trust the Lord to lead us on the right path - no matter if we understand the day it happens. God still loves each of us. (DRM 1/26/16)

    Oswald Chambers said, "There will come one day a personal and direct touch from God when every tear and perplexity, every oppression and distress, every suffering and pain, and wrong and injustice will have a complete and ample and overwhelming explanation." (from Our Daily Bread 1/26/16 DAVID MCCASLAND)

23:3, 10    "Oh that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat!
                 10But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. 

    We can't see God, but He can see us. Most people agree with the first half of my statement, but not the second half. When we sin, we (I) forget that He is always with us. He puts us through trials to have us grow closer to Him. The destination is worth the journey. (DRM 5/23/01)

    [re: 23:3]    Job has no doubts about the existence of God or His ability to correct whatever happened in his life. While Job didn't know Jesus, he certainly had faith in God to deliver him.
    Again, I pray that my faith will not waiver as trials come my way. (DRM 6/17/06)

23:11    My foot has held fast to His path;
             I have kept His way and not turned aside.

    When all of the problems came upon Job, he didn't know the reason like we do (1:12). He honored and served God completely before the problems came. His friends thoughts didn't solve the problems he had.
    Earlier in this chapter Job asked how he could talk to God directly to plead his case (v. 4).
    While we don't know what God will do with our lives, we know that we can always come to Him in prayer. He truly hears our prayers, and will answer them in the way He chooses as best for us. (DRM 2/8/17)

23:16    God has made my heart faint;
            the Almighty has terrified me.

    God is awesome! God is powerful. God is loving. God is almighty. God is strong - and still God loves me. (DRM 12/5/88)

24:16    In the dark, men break into houses, but by day they shut themselves in; they want nothing to do with the light. 

    God and Jesus are the "light" of the world. Those people who follow them are also in the light. Evil people who are not followers are more attracted to the darkness in everything they do. (DRM 12/6/88)

26:2    "What a help you are to the weak! How you have saved the arm without strength!"

    This section (26:1-14) is entitled "Job Rebukes Bildad," but when I read it, I thought of the power of God. He truly can help us who are weak. He can give us the strength to heal our arms. He is the Almighty God - who can do anything - so long as we have a willing heart to do His will. (DRM 6/18/06)

26:4    Who has helped you utter these words? And whose spirit spoke from your mouth?

    When a fellow Christian speaks to me, sometimes a special statement he says means something special to me - as if God was speaking through him - God, let me be more like that. (DRM 12/7/88)

26:7    He spreads out the northern skies over empty space; he suspends the earth over nothing.

    Back to God's incredible power and strength! This verse is similar in thought to Psalm 8:3.
    I am continually awestruck by God's loving kindness and the fact that He created me and that I have a purpose here to serve His kingdom. (DRM 5/20/87)

26:10    He has inscribed a circle on the surface of the waters
             At the boundary of light and darkness.

    The book of Job is considered to be the oldest book in the Bible, over 3000 years old.
    In this verse, Job's line on the earth is a circle, thus indicating that the earth was/is round. Even 1500 years later, some people thought the earth was flat. Apparently they never read the book of Job.
    Everything in the Bible is true and people today still don't agree on its contents (e.g. creation).  Someday they will see God and believe - but then it will be too late for their souls. Decide today to follow Him if you haven't! (DRM 6/22/13)

27:3,4    as long as I have life within me, the breath of God in my nostrils, my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will utter no deceit.

    Obviously Job did not lose his faith in God in this chapter! Lord, give me the faith that Job had for you! I know that God is always with me and I should not forget it! (DRM 12/8/88)

28:23,28    "God understands the way to it (wisdom), and he alone knows where it dwells. 28And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord - that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.' "

    Job's thoughts have improved over the chapters and now he is on a more positive note about wisdom. Certainly to fear the Lord and honor Him in EVERY way should be the direction in my life. (DRM 12/9/88)

    [re: 28:28]    These verses (28:12-28) make me think of some of the verses in Proverbs. True wisdom comes from the Lord God and listening to His way and reading His Book - not from any institution that man creates. We should also keep from evil as we keep from sin. This is a lifelong process and a submissive heart. (DRM 6/19/06)

29:4, 5    As I was in the prime of my days,
               When the friendship of God was over my tent;
              5When the Almighty was yet with me,
               And my children were around me;

    I don't know how old Job was when he felt he was past "the prime of my days," but he lived 140 more years after this (42:16), so I think this occurred before the flood.
    As we age, I know I think a lot about the "good old days" and often think "if I knew then what I know now" and it would be different.
    God hasn't left us. He has been with us since He created us; we just have to be more aware of how He directs our path - and follow His daily leading. (DRM 10/9/15)

29:18    "I thought, 'I will die in my own house, my days as numerous as the grains of sand.'"

    Job was stating what he had done before everything went wrong - in this verse.
    I feel that I still have that feeling of immortality on earth sometimes and don't realize how quickly everything can fall apart.
    I thank God for my immortality, but while it isn't on earth, it will be in Heaven. (DRM 6/4/87)

30:29    I have become a brother of jackals, a companion of owls. 

    "I'm lonely" would be a shorter version of this verse. Job felt that everyone was picking on him, including God. This feeling is something I can really associate with!!! (DRM 12/10/88)

31:4, 5    Does He not see my ways, And number all my steps?
                5If I have walked with falsehood, And my foot has hastened after deceit. . .

    God knows everything and is everywhere we are. I can't hide from God - so why try to keep a secret from Him? If I make wrong choices, I should expect His correction. May I live for You my Lord. (DRM 5/24/01)

31:14b    What will I answer when called to account?

    No one knows when we will meet Jesus Christ, but we do know that we are accountable for everything that we have done while on Earth.
    I should think more of my actions and say to myself: "Is that how Jesus wants me to act?" (DRM 4/30/87)

32:8    But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

    Physical age means nothing in this passage. Our wisdom comes not from age, but rather from God (the Almighty). I should trust only in Him for all my needs. (DRM 12/11/88)

32:15    "They are dismayed, they answer no more; Words have failed them."

    Now Job's friends seem to be in disagreement. The younger of the three is quoted here - apparently the silence after Job's criticism was deafening. It seems that only God knows why He tests mankind (individual people) and we have to give our lives to Him - unconditionally. (DRM 6/20/06)

32:20    "Let me speak that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer."

    In some ways I have been like Elihu. God has given me many experiences and insight that I want to share - but it hasn't been vocally yet. . . at least I can write! I still hope that someday the opportunity will come - and I won't be afraid to speak from lack of experience. (DRM 6/21/06)

33:25    . . . then his flesh is renewed like a child's; it is restored as in the days of his youth. 

    The previous verse mentions "finding a ransom for him." Thank you God, for providing Jesus Christ as that ransom that has paid for our sins! Now we are renewed like a child - "born again" in Your love! (DRM 12/12/88)

34:21,22    "His eyes (God's) are on the ways of men; he sees their every step. 22There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide. . . 

    I may have tried to avoid or hide from God, but I must realize that everywhere that I am, God is also. The best point about this is not only for the bad things in my life, but also the good things! [because He did them!] (DRM 12/13/88)

35:13    Indeed, God does not listen to their (the unrighteous) plea; the Almighty pays no attention to it. 

    How often I think of my first 35 years of prayers and now I know they went nowhere, because I had not accepted Him as my Savior and Leader. Thank God I know now! (DRM 12/14/88)

36:7    He does not take his eyes off the righteous; he enthrones them with kings and exalts them forever. 

    We ARE being watched. God is watching our every move and every word said. With such a short life, the least I should do is to honor Him in whatever He asks me to do. (DRM 12/15/88)

37:2    "Listen closely to the thunder of His voice,
           And the rumbling that goes out from His mouth."

    Job's friends were known for their opinions which sometimes were inaccurate.
    In most of my experience, God (through His Holy Spirit) talks quietly. That could be why the words, "listen closely" are used here. That doesn't mean He won't talk in the thunder, but more that He can and does talk to us in various ways - including the Bible and other Christian friends in addition to the Holy Spirit.
    We need discernment when it seems that He is telling us to do something. Make sure that whatever is said agrees with what the Bible directs. There are other "voices" that can send us the wrong way - avoid them. (DRM 6/16/17)

37:7    He seals the hand of every man,
           That all men may know His work.

    Before we are born, God is busy creating our body and soul. Today's science seems to understand most of how He makes our body from conception.
    God=Jesus also makes our soul at the same time. We ALL have one; even unbelievers. He creates us to see His creation and to understand that He made these things (e.g. the details of our body and the expanse of the universe with rare collisions of stars/planets).
    God made us to know Him and His works - it is our decision as to what we will do with this knowledge. Worship Him or ignore Him. Our future depends on this decision. (DRM 9/7/12)

37:10    The breath of God produces ice, and the broad waters become frozen.

    This chapter of Job had many references to nature and weather terms, that others call "mother nature!"
    This verse helps to make me know just how powerful and awe-inspiring God is. Just the thought of God makes me feel very small, but I have His Son, Jesus Christ and He will listen to my every need! (DRM 6/13/87)

37:16    Do you know about the layers of thick clouds,
             The wonders of one perfect in knowledge,

    This is one of Elihu's comments to Job just before God spoke.
    How God created all the different things in, on and above the earth are unfathomable. There are people who will take most of their lives to follow one pursuit or understand just one thing that God created; and to see just the variety of animals in a zoo you can see just a little of what God has done.
    The clouds, as mentioned here, also have numerous varieties.
    He is truly worthy of our worship! (DRM 10/27/13)

38:4    "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
           Tell me, if you have understanding.

    When God speaks, we are to listen! Generally it is a still small voice (the Holy Spirit) or, to us, through His Word, the Bible. But He can also be audible, as He seems to be here.
    In this verse God reminds Job that He created the earth from nothing - laying it's foundation. This identified Who was speaking - thus not being a mysterious voice that would lead to an identification problem later.
    God is Almighty. The Creator of the earth, the stars and every cell in our bodies. He alone is to be worshipped. (DRM 7/9/13)

38:5    Who set its [Earth's] measurements? Since you know.
           Or who stretched the line on it?

    I recently watched a debate on creation vs. evolution. Here God is clearly presenting the Creator's view.
    Think about a solar eclipse. If the moon or the sun were different sizes we wouldn't have the same effect. God had to measure the exact distance required for the moon to appear to be the exact same size as the sun. How could this have been random?
    I'm sure that there are many other things that God had to measure the exact distances for before creating our world and all that's in it. (DRM 7/9/14)

38:6    "On what were its [Earth's] bases sunk?
            Or who laid its cornerstone,

    Here God is reminding Job Who He is and what He has done in the past.
    God is and was the Creator of the universe. As Creator, He has the rights to it all and how it all works together; including each of us.
    In this verse He reminds Job that He designed earth and its exact size and location in relation to the sun, etc. In this respect, the cornerstone and bases represent to me that we would stay permanently in this orbit to the sun and not travel like a comet. (DRM 12/10/14)

    When we reflect on the power of God's creation, we see the power of His care for us. (from Our Daily Bread. 12/10/14)

38:10, 11    And I placed boundaries on it
                   And set a bolt and doors,
                 11And I said, 'Thus far you shall come, but no farther;
                   And here shall your proud waves stop'?

    This is part of a quote from God to Job. It's a reminder to each of us of the work that God=Jesus did when He created the earth.
    Except during a hurricane/typhoon, the coastline of the earth has not moved, and when anything changed, even a little, God was aware of it.
    Like the ocean, God is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. It's great to put my/our trust in Him. (DRM 12/14/12)

38:12    "Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, And caused the dawn to know its place;"

    God is all powerful. He can cause anything to happen. As He was speaking to Job, He wanted Job to realize this fact. So often I am so involved in myself and the world that I live in that I forget these things. (DRM 5/25/01)

    This is a quote from God (v.1) where He tells of His creation of the earth and how He made the decisions. This verse is an example of how God controls the world - and I can't change what He decides to do. (DRM 6/22/06)   

38:15    From the wicked their light is withheld,
             And the uplifted arm is broken.

    This is from a section where God is telling Job all the things He has done to create the earth and how it is run.
    God = Jesus is the Light of the world. A person who doesn't trust in Jesus does not have the light - or you could say it is withheld from them. Unbelievers are also called wicked in the Bible.
    In many cases an uplifted arm is considered an act of defiance. An unbeliever with an uplifted are in defiance of God could be cause for the Lord to break it. Only God knows what He chooses to do to individuals on earth. Generally He will love and protect His own family of believers, as a human father would. (DRM 7/28/12)

38:25    "Who has cleft a channel for the flood,
             Or a way for the thunderbolt, . . .

    This is part of God's response to all of Job's questions. In this section God is referring to His creation. Who else could have done all these things?
    At least where I live the riverbanks have shores, then another bank to hold back any floodwaters. God had to have thought of that.
    When in a thunderstorm, I think of the path for lightning, but God knows who will hear the thunder.
    When God created the world, He knew every detail. He's still alive and working in our hearts today - if we let Him. (DRM 3/9/17)

    The question of why the righteous suffer is not answered. However, because God is supreme over all creation (38:2-40:2; 40:7-41:34), we can trust Him even when we don't understand. What can you trust God for today? (from Our Daily Bread, INSIGHTS, DENNIS FISHER 3/7/17)

38:35    Do you send lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, "Here we are?"

    God is speaking. This total chapter shows or reminds me just how powerful and all-knowing God is. It's so easy to forget everything that God has done and continues to do. (DRM 5/9/88)

38:36    "Who has put wisdom in the innermost being
             Or given understanding to the mind?"

    In this chapter God starts to talk to Job. He isn't answering questions, but asking them. The purpose seems to be that God wants Job to realize that God makes all the decisions and has all power.
    In this verse we are reminded that God gives each of us the ability to learn almost anything. Our question to ourselves should be, "What do I want to learn more about?" He gave us each specialized interests, we have to decide what to do with them . . . and also to try and learn more about Him.
    We need to worship God for all He has created. (DRM 3/16/18)

    All creation points to God. A key way He speaks to us is through that creation. How refreshing to commune with our Lord as we enjoy His handiwork! (from Our Daily Bread, INSIGHT, 3/16/18 TIM GUSTAFSON)

39:9    Will the wild ox consent to serve you?
            Will he stay by your manger at night?

    This could be another prophecy verse to me. As Christmas approaches, the only manger that I can think of was used there. Thank you God for showing again that Jesus IS the Christ. (DRM 12/16/88)

39:22    He [the horse] laughs at fear and is not dismayed;
             And he does not turn back from the sword.

    When I/we think of God's creation, we think of suns, stars, trees, animals and every detail of how He put us together. But He has done far more than that! He has given us a soul that will live forever and also our interests and abilities.
    He has given humans some fears, but other animals no fear - like the nature of the horse described in this part of Job 39. I'll admit it, I've never seen a horse with fear - and how strong they are! God not only made all creatures, He also made their "personalities." (DRM 11/6/14)

40: 3-5    Then Job answered the LORD and said,
             4"Behold, I am insignificant; what can I reply to You?
                I lay my hand on my mouth.
             5"Once I have spoken, and I will not answer;
               Even twice, and I will add nothing more."

    How would I react if God asked me a question? I'm sure it would be the same way Job did here. God is all powerful. He has a reason for all that He does. How can He ever be wrong?
    Job knew he was the created and God was the Creator. If he said anything that God did not agree with, he didn't know what would happen. It's the true fear of God.
    Today's society doesn't seem to have the fear of God. When He thunders, they call it "nature" or try to find a man made cause. We need to keep this fear (of God) and worship our Creator.
    We need more thankfulness for what He has done. (DRM 2/27/16)

    When we see God's power, we can begin to grasp that our sin is no match for His great love. (from Our Daily Bread, INSIGHT Dennis Moles 2/27/16)

40:8, 9    "Will you really annul My judgment? Will you condemn Me that you may be justified? 9Or do you have an arm like God, And can you thunder with a voice like His?"

    My thought continues that no matter what I think, God is in control. He judges all of my moves (which is scary!) and wants our total submission - obedience to Him. Verse 9 reminds me of His absolute power and authority over all of us. (DRM 6/23/06)

40:10    Adorn yourself with eminence and dignity,
             And clothe yourself with honor and majesty.

    Why would I want to do this? This is a directive from God Himself (v. 6). It seems like pride, which He considers a sin (v. 11).
    Perhaps He is telling us to be thankful for the gifts He has given us. As Christians, we are different than other people on earth. We are to show ourselves as God's servants - and help them to know the Lord as we do.
    The honor and majesty that we have was God given, not man given. We are not to flaunt this gift, but continuously try to humbly bring others to our King. (DRM 5/29/15)

40:15,19    Look at the behemoth (elephant?), which I made along with you and which feeds on grass like an ox. 19He ranks first among the works of God, yet his Maker can approach him with his sword. 

    God created the huge elephant that seems to die only from old age, but then there is man, who has the power to kill any other animal. God gave us the wisdom that he gave no other animals and we should honor Him who gave us the knowledge of Himself. (DRM 12/17/88)

41:8    If you lay a hand on him, you will remember the struggle and never do it again. 

    This whole chapter deals with what we believe to be the crocodile. It is interesting to compare the strengths of the crocodile with the absolute authority of God. (DRM 12/18/88)

42:1    Then Job answered the LORD and said,

42:2    "I know that You can do all things,
            And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.

    By totally trusting in the Lord in ALL my trials, He will direct my path. I know this and just pray that it really will sink in and that "my" ideas will really be His. (DRM 5/31/88)

42:3    'Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?'
           Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,
           Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know."

    In this verse Job is confessing to God that he spoke (declared) things that he did not understand.
    Only God knows everything and how it works. We can only guess - and will have to re-learn the truth when we are taught by God Himself in Heaven. (e.g. creation of the universe, how our bodies were created.)
    The first step in this process is admitting that God=Jesus is truly the Creator of it all and deserves our full devotion. No one else. (DRM)

42:4    'Hear, now, and I [Job] will speak;
            I will ask Thee, and do Thou instruct me.'

    Job had listened to his three friends and they gave him bad advice. He didn't hear from God until after talking to them. Here, Job repents and admits that God should be his teacher and not other men. I think that I should learn from this and wait and listen for His voice and instruction in my life. (DRM 5/26/01)

42:5, 6    "I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees Thee; 6Therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes."

    What did Job repent for? It seems to me that he was progressively admitting that God is in control of all things. He was being submissive to God's instructions (v.4). God accepted Job's repentance and restored his good fortune. I also must accept whatever the Lord has planned for me - even if it's nothing like my own plans. (DRM 6/24/06)

42:7    It came about after the LORD had spoken these words to Job, that the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends, because you have not spoken of Me what is right as My servant Job has.

    While I don't recall how long Job's trial lasted, his three "friends" certainly gave him their opinions on what he did and how to correct himself. Several times they were obviously wrong.
    Now that the event was over, God=the Lord, told one of them in this verse how displeased He was with them. He never hurt them for what they said, but asked for a burnt offering (v. 8).
    This shows that the Lord forgives all who come to Him in repentance. (DRM 6/19/12)

42:10    The LORD restored the fortunes of Job when he prayed for his friends, and the LORD increased all that Job had twofold.

    Job had lost nearly everything during this episode. While he wondered why God allowed all the events to happen, he never accused God for making a wrong decision.
    When this was all over, God "restored the fortunes of Job" after he prayed for his friends - probably the same friends that just accused him of wrongdoing.
    God knows why we are in certain situations and we have to trust Him for the outcome. We (I) also have to pray for our friends - and enemies. (DRM 4/18/13)